to read
such exquisite lines without betraying herself to a lover's gaze._)

VALENTINE (_excitedly_). Miss Phoebe, when did you cease to care for
me?

PHOEBE (_retreating from him but clinging to her poem_). You promised
not to ask.

VALENTINE. I know not why you should, Miss Phoebe, but I believe you
love me still!

(MISS PHOEBE _has the terrified appearance of a detected felon._)

(_MISS SUSAN returns._)

MISS SUSAN. You are talking so loudly.

VALENTINE. Miss Susan, does she care for me still?

MISS SUSAN (_forgetting her pride of sex_). Oh, sir, how could she
help it.

VALENTINE. Then by Gad, Miss Phoebe, you shall marry me though I have
to carry you in my arms to the church.

PHOEBE. Sir, how can you!

(_But_ MISS SUSAN _gives her a look which means that it must be done if
only to avoid such a scandal. It is at this inopportune moment that_
MISS HENRIETTA _and_ MISS FANNY _are announced._)

MISS HENRIETTA. I think Miss Willoughby has already popped in.

PHOEBE (_with a little spirit_). Yes, indeed.

MISS SUSAN (_a mistress of sarcasm_). How is Mary, Fanny? She has not
been to see us for several minutes.

MISS FANNY (_somewhat daunted_). Mary is so partial to you, Susan.

VALENTINE. Your servant, Miss Henrietta, Miss Fanny.

MISS FANNY. How do you do, sir?

MISS HENRIETTA (_wistfully_). And how do you find Miss Livvy, sir?

VALENTINE. I have not seen her, Miss Henrietta.

MISS HENRIETTA. Indeed!

MISS FANNY. Not even you?

VALENTINE. You seem surprised?

MISS FANNY. Nay, sir, you must not say so; but really, Phoebe!

PHOEBE. Fanny, you presume!

VALENTINE (_puzzled_). If one of you ladies would deign to enlighten
me. To begin with, what is Miss Livvy's malady?

MISS HENRIETTA. He does not know? Oh, Phoebe.

VALENTINE. Ladies, have pity on a dull man, and explain.

MISS FANNY (_timidly_). Please not to ask us to explain. I fear we
have already said more than was proper. Phoebe, forgive.

(_To_ CAPTAIN BROWN _this but adds to the mystery, and he looks to_
PHOEBE _for enlightenment._)

PHOEBE (_desperate_). I understand, sir, there is a belief that I keep
Livvy in confinement because of your passion for her.

VALENTINE. My passion for Miss Livvy? Why, Miss Fanny, I cannot abide
her--nor she me. (_Looking manfully at_ MISS PHOEBE.) Furthermore, I
am proud to tell you that this is the lady whom I adore.

MISS FANNY. Phoebe?

VALENTINE. Yes,